Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Chapter 24: Eau Claire Fire Department, 1914

Chapter 24: Eau Claire Fire Department

Prior to 1872 Eau Claire was composed of three villages, West, East and North Eau Claire, each under a separate government. While East Eau Claire was the greatest sufferer from fire in those early days, it appears that West Eau Claire was the most progressive in regard to fire protection. Eau Claire, dating from the year 1856, down through the years of its infancy and until such a time when there was some organized effort made for fire extinguishment, suffered greatly from the ravages of fire.

I will herewith review a few fires \\'hich in those early days were considered of a serious nature. On January 19, 1864, a fire occurred on the corner of Barstow and Eau Claire streets, completely destroying a building occupied by John^Horan. The citizens .worked with great energy and finallj' succeeded in preventing the further spread of the fire. This was the first fire that occurred on the east side of the river. The Free Press comments on this fire and points the necessity of a hook and ladder company for this place. On January, 1866, what was called the Williams block fire occurred, one of the sufferers in this fire was the Free Press, being the second time that they burned out ; previous fire occurred in 1864. On September 27, 1866, the Free Press came out strongly in an editorial urging upon the people to organize a fire department. On August 8, 1867, Daniel Shaw & Co.'s mill burned, thereby sustaining a loss they could ill afford in those early days. On October 17, 1867, the Free Press again advocated the organization of a fire department. November 8, 1867, the Lower mill on the Eau Claire river, owned by Chapman & Thorp, burned. On January 23 the Free Press again urged some fire protection. Thursday, May 15, 1869, Eau Claire House barn destroyed ; large body of river men succeeded in stopping spread of fire. On May 27, 1869, a disastrous fire occurred, destroying the two blocks on the west side of Barstow street between Main and Gibson, also one block on the east side of Barstow street between Main and Kelsey (now Grand avenue E.). A hard fight was successfully made at Main street to stoj) the fire. The stop was made at Mommoth Wooden Store of S. Marston, in which the post office was located, S. E. corner of Main and Barstow. Comment was made by Free Press that a small hand engine might have saved much property; loss estimated at $150,000.00. June 16, 1869, Johnston Hall building, in West Eau Claire, burned. H. H. DeYarman, owner. Insurance, $11,000.00. September 27, 1869, building opposite Niagara House, in West Eau Claire, occupied by E. C. Monroe harness shop; D. P. Barnes as fanning mill manufacturing; building adjoining the Anthony Schaefer liquor store ; extraordinary labor j^revented spread of fire. January 26, 1870, unknown cause of fire in J. P. Nelson's barn. Business houses destroyed. E. Robert Hantzsch distillery; Foster & Jones grocery store; Buck & Anderson, hardware; Ed. Munden, grocer; John Moe, jewelry ; comment by Free Press, one fire engine could have stopped fire. This fire was west of Barstow, near Main street. August 18, 1870, residence of D. Kennedy caught fire. Capt. Frank Hatch, chief of fire department, LaCrosse, and editor of LaCrosse Leader, happened to be riding by at the time. He combated the fire successfully. January 19, 1871, Weber Hall, corner Main and Barstow, building back of hall occupied by Horrigan & Groundwater tailor sliop. G. B. Chapman & Co. 's establishment adjoining on Barstow street, threatened. Loss, $16.- 000.00. June 24, 1871, fire James Notes' bakery, Gibson street. Communicated to adjoining structures. Nearly entire block in ruins. Nobes' bakery insured for $2,000.00. White tin shop insured for $3,000.00. F. R. Skinner frame building on Eau Claire street, insured for $1,650.00. E. R. Hantzsch saloon, insured for $800.00. Total, $7,450.

April 24, 1875. A block of buildings now occupied by tlie Y. M. C. A. property was entirely destroyed by fire which included the W. H. Bailey paint store; M. E. Stearns shoe shop; James Black, barber ; William Burns, dwelling, and the American House, which was owned by Peter Hart.

August 20, 1875. The Graham & White Co. plant (now the Phoenix Manufacturing Company) burned to the ground. This plant at that time was located on north side of Eau Claire river, directly opposite the W. H. Hobbs garage.

April 23, 1882. A fire occurred, entailing the largest loss ever sustained in the city of Eau Claire. This fire occurred on AVater street, completely destroying three blocks of buildings situated between Fourth and Sixth avenues. Two blocks on the north side and one on the south side of Water street. Seventy-three buildings were burned, of which thirty-three were business houses, and destroyed property to the extent of $250,000.00. Fire brands from a steam boat while moving out from its landing at the foot of Fourth avenue ignited rubbish near an oil house" and from there spread very rapidly. Wales Willard, engineer of Fire Engine No. 1, with admirable fidelity to his trust, stood by his engine and worked it effectively upon adjoining property while his own house and shop, a short distance away, caught fire and burned. No. 1 Engine House was also destroyed in this fire.

Early in the year 1870 tliree six-gallon fire extinguishers were provided for East Eau Claire, to be kept at the residence of each of the three trustees of the village. B. J. Churchill was one of the trustees at that time and answered many alarms of fire with the chemical strapped to his back. In the same year a liand fire engine was purchased by West Eau Claire which proved somewhat of a failure; later (1874) it was sold to Matt Johannes for $7.50, he buying it for his boys to play with. On January 27,. 1871, a new third class Silsby steam fire engine, purchased by West Eau Claire village, arrived amid great rejoicing. This was the first substantial fire fighting apparatus that was purchased in Eau Claire. About this time Captain A. M. Sherman was identified with the fire department, also was in charge of the police. Nathan Rundle was at, or about this time, foreman of our only fire company, located at the site now occiipied by No. 5 hose eompanj', the new steam engine was also located there and christened the W. F. Bailey; this was brought about by Mr. Bailey furnishing some funds toward the purchase of the engine. This engine was given its initial test by taking water at the foot of Fourth avenue and forcing it through 1000 feet of hose and over the Baptist church spire, on the corner of Niagara and Fourth avenue, then they forced water through two lines of hose to a height of eighty feet. This test took place January 30, 1871. W. H. Willard was given charge of this engine at this time, he l)eing the first full paid fireman to sei've in the Eau Claire Fire Department. His term of service, dating from January, 1871, to May 6, 1885, at which time he resigned to accept the position of superintendent of our water works system, a position which he still holds. The W. F. Bailey engine went into reserve in 1885 and was sold January 16, 1900, to the W. S. Nott Co., of Minneapolis, for $500.00.

May 29, 1872, an appraisement of property owned by the city covered the following fire equipment : One engine and hose cart, $7,150.00 ; one engine house, $1,800.00 ; runway to river and well, $375.00; stove and pipe in engine house, $15.00; firemen's shirts, caps, belts, trumpets, etc., $425.00 ; one Babcoek hand fire engine and hose $000.00. Total, $9,765.00. On April 8, 1872, the first officers of the fire department of the city of Eau Claire were elected by the Common Council under the following motions : On motion of Alderman Deming, William Lea was elected chief engineer. On motion of Alderman McDonough, John T. Tinker was elected first assistant engineer. On motion of Alderman Bullen, M. J. Argand was elected second assistant engineer.

April 30, 1873. Communication from Mr. William Bonell, Sr., foreman of Eau Claire Hook and Ladder Company No. ], informing Common Council of the formation of the company and asking such action by the council as would place the company upon an efficient working basis. Referred to committee on fire and water. Committee reported favorably and on May 7, 1873, Alderman Smith moved that a committee of two be appointed by the Mayor to visit St. Paul in company witli Mr. Bonell to examine hook and ladder truck implements and that said committee report thereon at next meeting of council. Motion carried and his honor the Mayor appointed Aldermen Smith and Kennedy such committee. A favorable report was reported back and on May 14, 1873, a resolution that the city clerk be and he is hereby authorized to purchase from the city of St. Paul the hook and ladder truck offered by said city to be sold and which was examined by a committee of members of the Common Council of this city upon the terms offered by said city of St. Paul. Adopted. Truck received and placed in service shortly thereafter.

I might state here that said truck stood at or near our present government building site, exposed to the weather for about one year; at times it was necessary to chop the wheels out of the ice before it could be moved; finally a shed was provided to protect it from the weather. May 21, 1873, the officers of the fire department were elected under the following motions: On motion of Alderman Angel the council proceeded to the election of officers and elected Eugene S. Bullard chief engineer; D. C. Whipple, first assistant engineer, and Arthur Smith, second assistant. On June 18, 1873, a communication from the Turnvereius, tendering their services to the council as a hand fire engine company foi* present and for a steam fire Engine company, as soon as the city shall procure another steamer. Services accepted. On July 16, 1873, a communication from Chief BuUard urging upon the council the necessity for another hose cart, 1000 feet of hose, a fire-alarm bell, and a heavy team and equipment. Referred to committee on fire and water. On August 20, 1873. Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Eau Claire that the committee on fire and water be instructed to purchase a good horse team, one hose cart and at least 1000 feet of hose immediately on the best terms possible and also to select and purchase a lot in some good central location on the east side of the Chippewa river and build a building of sufficient size to accommodate a new engine and hook and ladder truck recently purchased. The building to be built of some fire proof material, also to purchase two fire bells for the two engine houses. Passed and approved August 20, 1873.

Fire wardens: First ward, Frank McDouough; Second ward, W. A. Teal ; Third ward, J. T. Tinker ; Fourth ward. Mills Bain ; Fifth ward, George W. Deming; Sixth ward, Texas Angel. Treasurer, W. H. Willard ; secretary, H. Slingluff. Election confirmed by the council October 17, 1873. Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Eau Claire that the committee on fire and water be and they are hereby authorized to purchase fifty feet front on Eau Claire street by eighty feet deep on Farwell street, of lots five and six of block fifty-nine at a price not exceeding $1000.00, provided perfect title thereto can be had and such terms of payment agreed upon as the city treasurer can meet and that said committee procure proposals for the immediate erection of a foundation and frame of a building thereon of suitable dimensions to accommodate the hook and ladder truck and a steam fire engine and hose cart and the teams necessary to handle the same. Passed and approved October 17, 1873.

Graham and White Co. for the carpenter work on engine house, which was read and agreement ratified by the Common Council. The action of October 17, 1873, and of January 22, 1874, was the first move towards the construction of our present city building, and considering the entire absence of mention of city officers, makes it quite evident that the first plans were for a building suitable for fire department purposes only. April 6, 1874. The report of the proceedings of the annual meeting of the fire department reporting the election of: E. S. Bullard as chief engineer; "William Bonell, Sr., first assistant engineer; Phillip Fitzpatrick, second assistant engineer; J. H. Miutou, secretary; John Joyce, treasurer. Fire Wardens: John Hancock, First ward; Elijah Ross, Second ward; Mr. Karlan, Third ward; George Wilcox, Fourth ward ; H. G. Stafford, Fifth ward ; John Clark, Sixth ward. Trustees : James Tarrant, John MeCoole and W. H. Willard. On motion of Alderman Spaulding the election was confirmed by the council.

April, 1874. At this time the city of Eau Claire bought and placed in the fire service a team of horses ; however, they were under the control of the superintendent of streets and during the day were worked anywhere within the limits of the city with the result that they were very often not in evidence when wanted to haul apparatus to a fire. Frank Ferres was the teamster, he being the second full paid fireman doing service in the Eau Claire Fire Department. His service was a lone one, dating from April, 1874, until his retirement, April 1, 1902. On May 20, 1874, the committee on fire and water reported the result of its bids received for all mason work on Engine House No. 2 ; eight bids were received, of which the total cost under four of the lowest, upon an estimate of the amount of each kind of work required, are as follows: Nelson McNeal, $1,589.80; MeCool & Gray, .$1,603.45; N. H. Nasher, $1,654.27 ; Isiah Nauman, $1,707.78. By Alderman McDonough - Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Eau Claire that the mason work for Engine House No. 2 be and the same is hereby let to Nelson McNeal, provided he will contract to do as good work in all respects as is done in the Eau Claire Library company building, situated upon the south part of lot one, block sixty, plat of village of Eau Claire. Which was adopted and the clerk directed to have the city attorney draw the contract, therefore.

Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Eau Claire that the committee on fire and water be and they are hereby authorized to purchase a third class steam fire engine and a two

Another resolution passed at the same meeting authorized the purchase of a two-horse hose cart for No. 1 Engine company (now No. 5). The carts and engine were purchased. Engine was named the G. E. Porter, and is at this writing in reserve service in this department. March 24, 1875. On motion of Alderman MeDonough the election of the following named persons as officers of the fire department Avas approved : Chief engineer, Eugene Bullard ; first assistant engineer, William Bonell, Sr. ; second assistant engineer, John Clark ; treasurer, John Joyce ; secretary, Phillip Fitspatrick. Fire wardens : First ward, John Hancock ; Second ward, Joseph Lawrence; Third ward, John Foster; Fourth ward, Noah Shaw ; Fifth ward, G. A. Buffington ; Sixth Mard, Frederick Kutzner. Approved.

March 31, 1875. Communication of hook and ladder company No. 1, asking for the control and management of the new steam fire engine, was taken up and considered. Alderman MeDonough moved that the control and management of fire engine No. 2 be given to hook and ladder company No. 1. Alderman Leinenkugel moved that action upon said motion be postponed until the next regular meeting, which was lost. Motion of AlJerman ]McDonougli adopted. April 9, 1875. The committee on fire and Avater reported upon the four applicatious for the position of engineer of the fire engine G. E. Porter, and recommended that the position be given to Charles Cutler. Adopted. I might .state here that Charles Cutler had charge of Engine G. E. Porter from this date until February 1, 1882; also being the third nil paid fireman to take service in the Eau Claire Fire Department. James Tarrant succeeded Charles Cutler as engineer of the Fire Engine G. E. Porter, holding the position until water wo'-ks system was installed, thereby retiring the engine.

Free Press of April 10, 1875, had this to say : The new fire steamer G. E. Porter Thursday had a trial test with the old steamer named W. F. Bailey, previous to the acceptance of the new machine by the city council. We learn that entire satisfaction with reference to its efficiency was manifested by the committee of inspection, also states that our citizens ought to feel a degree of satisfaction witli reference to the efficiency of our fire department. New Years night of 1875-1876 the firemen held a dance that was patronized by over seventy couple. Fowler's band furnished the music. Supper was served at the Peabody House and during or immediately following the banquet Mr. William Bonell, Sr., foreman of the hook and ladder company, was the recipient of an elegant silver trumpet as a testimonial of esteem from his company. The presentation was made by Alexander Meggett, Esq., iu a neat speech and some appropriate remarks in acceptation was made by Mr. Bonell.

On June 1, 1875, Mr. Eugene Bullard tendered his resignation as chief engineer, which, upon being referred at this meeting, was accepted June 16, 1875. On June 16, 1875, A. M. Sherman was elected as chief of the fire department. March 23, 1876. Communication from the fii-e department informing the council that the officers elected for said department for the ensuing year were : Chief engineer, W. F. Cook ; first assistant engineer, William Bonell, Sr. : second assistant engineer, Edward Oliver ; treasurer, John Joyce; secretary, Phillip Fitzpatrick. Confirmed. September 12, 1876. Secretary W. E. J. Deming submitted the annual report to the foreman and members of Engine Company No. 1, placing the loss for the year at $38,140.00, and the membership of Engine Company No. 1 as follows: J. H. Tarrant, I. R. Soath, W. H. Willard, W. E. J. Deming, Jere Murphy, S. P. Benjamin, J. H. Minton, J. J. Merritt, C. E. Bullard, G. T. Rowlings, Frank Lampman, F. H. Green, John Wells, J. W. Kiddell.

February 3, 1877. Report of Chief Cook gives manual force as follows: W. F. Bailey, Engine Company No. 1, eleven men; G. E. Porter, Engine Company No. 2, fourteen men ; Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, seven men. Apparatus - Two steamers in good working order; three hose carts, with recommendation that they be changed from one horse to a two horse hitch; one hook and ladder truck in serviceable condition; 1500 feet good hose ; 1200 feet inferior hose ; 10 alarms with a fire loss of $24,585.00 ; insurance loss, $19,810.00 ; insurance on property at risk, $65,320.00. April 10, 1877. Council proceeded to the election of officers of the fire department. Chief engineer, J. H. Tarrant; first assistant engineer, Peter Girnau; second assistant engineer, Frank Buell; treasurer, Phillip Yager; secretary, S. F. Benjamin. Fire wardens - First ward, Thomas Randall; Second ward, W. F. Cook; Third ward, William Bonell, Jr. ; Fourth ward, George B. Shaw ; Fifth ward, G. A. Buffington ; Sixth ward, C. L. James ; Seventh ward, Wallace Goff ; Eighth ward, Victor Wolf.

Confirmed. March 20, 1878. Comnnmieation from the fire department statiug that at an annual meeting of said department the following officers were elected: Chief, John T. Tinker; first assistant, J. Heinian; second assistant, E. Oliver; treasurer, Phillip Yager; secretary, Samuel Naumau. The chief's salary at tliis time was H^oO.OO per year. Confirmed March 19, 1879. On motion of Alderman Kepler the following officers were confirmed: Chief, J. C. Churchill ; first assistant, John Wells ; second assistant, Henry Bradford; treasurer, II. R. Potter: secretary, Daniel Schaffer.

I might state here that J. C. Churchill held the off.ee of chief ' of the fire department from the above date until May 1, 1887. In the records of January 18, 1882, we find the report of secretary of department, D. J. Chandler, giving the time of members of Fire Company No. 2 for the year ending January 31, 1882, as follows: William Moldenhouer, 12 mouths, $96.00; Fred Rawlings, 12 mouths, $96.00 ; Charles Damm, 12 months, $96.00 ; Frank Zimmerman, 12 months, $96.00 ; Daniel Murphy, 12 months, $96.00 ; D. J. Chandler, 12 months, $96.00; reported 15 fires, classified as follows: dwelling fires, 12; hotel, 1; store, 1; warehouse, 1. Total, 15. May 2, 1883, the following officers were elected; J. C. Churchill, chief; T. A. Fletcher, assistant chief; George Stoue, secretary ; D. J. Chandler, treasurer.

January 3, 1884. A petition was signed by J. C. Churchill, chief, and by the fireman asking that as they have now been in the service of the city five years the annual salary of each be raised. That of the chief to be $200.00 and that of the firemen to $144.00. Referred. On February 9, 1884, the following salaries for members of the fire department were adopted. Each fireman shall receive the sum of $13.00 per mouth for the months of I\Iarch, November, December, January and February, and $8.00 for the months of April, May, June, July, August, September aud October, and that the chief engineer shall receive $200.00 per annum. April 9, 1885, the secretary reported the following officers elected : J. C. Churchill, chief ; E. Fuller, first assistant chief ; F. 0. Zimmerman, second assistant chief ; Mike Schmitz, treasurer ; W. H. Kendall, secretary. May 6, 1885. W. H. Willard tendered liis resignation as engineer of Engine No. 1. W. H. Rogers apl)ointed to the position at a meeting of the Common Council held October 7, 1885, a committee was authorized to establish aud build additional hose houses No. 1, No. 6, No. 3 and the Shaw Town Service.

for eoufirmatiou the following uamed officers elected by the department at its meeting held March 15, 1886 : J. C. Churchill, chief; E. C. Fuller, first assistant chief; J. W. Waylaud, treasurer; Prank Zimmerman, second assistant chief; D. J. Chandler, secretary. February 2, 1887. Alderman McDouough, chairman of committee appointed to investigate the report of the insurance underwriters, submitted the following recommendation, that the city purchase the hook and ladder truck and hose cart from the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company at a cost of $1200.00. Truck to be placed in Engine House No. 2. Also recommended a full paid department. June 1, 1887. Alderman McDonough, chairman of committee on reorganization of Eau Claire fire department, submitted the following report: That the fire department of said city shall consist of one chief, one assistant chief, seven pipemeu and six teamsters, located as follows: Three in No. 1. Four in No. 2. Three in No. 5. Two in No. 6. One iu No. 3. Also two part paid firemen located at No. 2 and two at No. 3. The following members were appointed: George H. Daniels, chief; John McGawan, assistant chief; James Tarrant, Frank Zimmerman, Hugh Forest, James McMahon, Lanis Young, Joseph Eldridge, engineer and pipeman; Frank Ferres, William Se-aver, Fred Rawlins, Patrick Kenney, Mike Schmitz, teamsters ; William Bonell, Jr., A. Evaus, Dwight Chandler, Wilhelm H. Wedemeyer, callmen-pipemen. Thus a full paid fire department was fairly launched, giving the people of our city the benefit of a more efficient service. June 15, 1887. Recommendation of committee on reorganization recommending that the Richmond Fire Alarm Company be given contract for the installing of fire alarm system composed of three circuit No. 12 H. D. copper wire 2-1 boxes, and other instriiments for receiving alarms. Signed: Frank Mc- Donough, George A. Buffington, D. A. Cameron, George C. Huebener, George B. Shaw. December 19, 1887. Fire alarm system installed and accepted by recommendation of committee and chief of fire department.

Too much credit cannot be given George H. Daniels for the able manner in which he built up the fire department after itu reorganization in 1887. While all other departments of the city were affected by political conditions from year to year, the fire department, under the guiding hand of George H. Daniels, stood out alone as the one municipal department unaffected by the many political changes of administration. The committee on reorganization certainly chose wisely and well. In the year 1897 a state law was passed placing fire departments in all cities of the second and third class nnder civil service, controlled by a police and fire commission, said commission appointed by the mayor. Under this law all appointments were subject to the approval of the commission. On January 1, 1908, a fireman pension law went into effect which provided for pension after twenty-two years' service and which also provided for the widows and orphans of deceased firemen, also provided for a fireman if permanently disabled.

On May 1, 1905, George H. Daniels retired from the fire department after a service of eighteen years. Shortly after retirement he was appointed to the board of police and fire commissions, in which position he served as president of the board until the time of his death, which occurred July 17, 1912. On May 1,

1905, Joseph Eldi-idge, assistant chief, was appointed to the position of chief of the fire department with James P. Welsh, superintendent of fii-e alarm system, appointed to the position of assistant chief, holding both positions. On November 2, 1906, Chief Joseph Eldridge resigned from the position of chief of the fire department. On November 2, 1906, James P. Welsh was appointed to the position of chief of the fire department with William Ilerron, captain of Hose Company No. 6, appointed assistant chief and Walter Ressler appointed to the position of superintendent of fire alai-m.

The members of the fire department at the present time are as follows : James P. Welsh, chief ; entered the service November 7, 1889, as pipeman; on November 1, 1891, was appointed to the position of superintendent of the fire alarm system. On May 4, 1899, was appointed city electrician. On May 1, 1901, was appointed to the position of fire warden. On May 1, 1905, was appointed to the position of assistant chief, holding the four positions luitil November 2, 1906, wlien appointed as chief of the fire department.

William Herron, assistant chief, entered the service May 13, 1892, as reliefman, retiring April 1, 1893. Re-entered the service June 1, 1893, as reliefman. Appointed captain May 1, 1896. Appointed assistant chief November 2, 1906. Appointed fire warden November 2, 1906. At this date holding last two positions. Walter Ressler, superintendent fire alarm and city electrician, entered the service September 1, 1904, as house watchman, retiring September 25, 1906. Re-entered service November 8, captain April 1, 1905. Fred Welsh, captain, entered the service April 1, 1901, appointed captain August 1, 1905. Joseph Eldridge, captain, entered the service May 1, 1887, appointed assistant chief July 15, 1891, appointed chief of department May 1, 1905. Resigned from the position of chief November 2, 1906. Accepted position of captain of No. 6 November 2, 1906. Mr. Eldridge is the oldest man in point of service in the department, having sei'ved in the volunteer days. Edward Bullis, driver of motoiapparatus. Entered service September 1, 1910. Edward Golden, driver hook and ladder. Entered the service March 20, 1902. Joseph Robillard, pipeman. Entered service December 27, 1912. Johii Hancock, pipeman. Entered service February 1. 1893. Appointed captain September 1, 1904. Retired from the service Augu.st 1, 1905. Re-entered the service November 1, 1911. Paul Miley, house watchman. Entered the service May 1, 1912 Lawrence Smith, reliefman. Entered the service April 1, 1912. William Ward, pipeman. Entered service November 19, 1906. Ni'ls Geroux, pipeman. Entered service September 8, 1901. Retired February 27, 1903. Re-entered July 4, 1904. William Cowan, driver. Entered the service May 1, 1906. John Segoin, driver. Entered service May 1, 1905. Clarence Chambers, pipeman. Entered service December 1, 1897. Retired January 15, 1902. Reentered November, 1912. William Lawi-ence, driver. Entered service July 1, 1907. Joseph Gort, pipeman. Entered service September 19, 1898. Retiring August 1, 1908. Re-entered January 21, 1911. Edward Farrell, reliefman. Entered service September 19, 1913.

The department equipment and fire quarters consists at the present time of four hose company's equipped with three hose wagons, horse drawn, 1 hook and ladder truck, horse drawn ; 1 hose chemical truck, motor propelled; 1 chief's motor car with chemical equipment ; 8 horses ; 8000 feet of hose ; the old Porter fire engine in reserve. The fire alarm system has been greatly improved since its first installation and now consists of a firstclass gamewell office equipment, which includes an eight circuit storage battery control switch board, one six circuit non-interfering, interlocking automatic repeater, one central office transmitter, one tape register, one tower bell transmitter and one private telephone switch board in addition to this, all hose houses and pump house are equipped with 18-inch gongs, tape registers and department private telephone instrument. Outside equipment consists of thirty miles of copper wire and 41 alarm boxes. Our water service for fire purposes is ideal, giving us 120 pounds

The Wisconsin legislature of 1897 enacted a law creating the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners in cities of certain classes in the state. The law provided for a board of four members, to serve Avithout compensation, to be appointed by the mayor. Mayor William H. Frawley, at a meeting of the Common Council held on April -28, 1897, made announcement of the following appointments of commissioners: For term of one year. Matt C. Anderson; for term of two years, Hon. John Ure, Sr. ; for term of three years, Hon Frank McDonough, Sr. ; for term of four years, Albert F. Sehwahn.

The law did not reciuire confirmation by the council, but Mayor Frawley asked the council to pass upon such appointments. The nominations were confirmed, two aldermen, Sebenthal and Scallon, voting against such confirmation. On the evening of May 3, 1897, the board met at the office of Ma.yor Frawley, but adjourned on account of the absence of one member. On May 10 they again met at the mayor's office, together with the mayor and J. C. Gores, the city attorney, and formally organized by the election of Mr. Ure as president and Mr. Anderson as secretary.

The board had hardly organized before the commissioners were called upon to act in their jiidicial capacity. On May 12, two days after the organization, the chief of police, John Higgins, suspended Patrolman Paul Thompson for sleeping during the period lie was supposed to be on his beat. On June 1 the board gave Patrohnan Thompson a trial, found him guilty as charged and dismissed him from the force. A second case of this nature came before the board ou August 3, when Patrolman Frank Nugent was suspended by the chief for neglect of duty. He was tried on Augiist 12, found guilty and dismissed from the service. During the summer and fall of 1897 the board met frequently for the purpose of examining members who were serving in the police and fire departments. The examinations were conducted so as not to interfere with the regular work of the men. On November 15 examinations had been completed and the respective chiefs of the two departments notified the board of the appointment of the men then serving, and such action by the chiefs was duly confirmed. The men appointed were as follows: In the fire department - Joseph Eldridge, assistant chief; James P. Welsh, electrician ; John Hancock, James II. Looby, Thomas Wiley, M. F. Tibbitts, Willis E. Herron, James Sullivan, John Kjorstad, G. P. Childs, Frank Ferris, John Dougherty and Joseph De Mars. In the police department - La Fayette Elliott, sergeant ; Frank Harrington, John Taylor, George Wolf, T. J. Gonderzik, Prank Reinhart, Clifford Luce, Paul Branstad, John M. Gallgher. The board on June 1 had elected George H. Daniels chief engineer of the fire department, and John Higgins chief of police. May 24, 1897, Dr. A. D. II. Thrane was elected surgeon of the board and still holds that position.

George H. Daniels, M-ho was appointed to the board to succeed John Ure in 1905, died July 17, 1912, following an operation at Rochester, Minn. Mr. Daniels, previous to his appointment as a member of the board, had served many years as chief engineer of the fire department. Under his administration the department had developed into one of the best in the state. John Ure, George S. Long and John C. Neher resigned from the board on removal from the city. At the organization of the board, John Ure was elected as president of the commission and served as such until he resigned in 1905. He was succeeded as president by George H. Daniels, who served until his death in -July, 1912. James T. Joyce then became president. Matt C. Audersou, the first secretary, left office in May, 1908, and was succeeded by George S. Long, who served until May 1, 1900, when lie resigned his membership. Marshall Cousins was appointed to the board as Mr. Long's successor and elected secretary, which position he has held continuously since that time.

The board, as first constituted, was made up of four members, liut a law becoming eft'ective March 30, 1907, increased the number to five members. A still later law provides for a member of the City Council being a member of the fire and police board. The council designated John B. Fleming for such position and he is ex-officio member of the board. Since the first year of the board's existence there have been but few instances requiring the board to act in its judicial capacity. In the spring of 1908 a controversy arose between the chief of police, Edward J. O'Brien, and the municipal judge, Joseph W. Singleton. The judge filed charges against the chief but failed to press the charges before the board. The chief replied by filing a report with tlie Common Council covering relations of the police depart ment with tlu' Municipal Court.

Police Depaetment

The city of Eau Claire has always liad an efficient polu-e department, which has been guided by the following chiefs: Victor Wolf was the first chief of the department, and Lewis Parish and James Harmson were the first policemen. Victor Wolf served until 1875, and was succeeded by Michael Fleming. A. M. Sherman was the next chief in 1876, and he was followed by Charles li. Jefferson in 1877: Victor Wolf in 1878; Thomas Donnelly in 1879-1880-81-82-83-84-85-86-87-88-89 and 1890, his service of twelve years being the longest of any one who has held that position. John Higgins became chief in 1891 and held the office four years. Lafayette Elliott took charge of the force in 1895, and served until Henry L. Day was elected mayor in 1897, and John Higgins succeeded him and served continuously until March 15, 1907, when he resigned, having been in the service constantly for eleven years. Ed J. O'Brien was appointed to fill the place March 18, 1907, and served until November 11, 1909, when he tendered his resignation to take afl:'ect December 1 of that year. Lafayette Elliot was appointed chief on November 26, 1909, and is still serving in that capacity.